Driving on Skye
We want you to enjoy discovering the Isle of Skye and to feel confident driving on the island
Driving Safely
We want you to enjoy your time on Skye and to be safe doing so. The Highway Code provides essential information on the rules for road users. Road Safety Scotland also offers advice and guidance for visitors driving in Scotland.
DRIVE ON THE LEFT
- Always drive on the left.
- Keep left when you are starting off or turning from one road to another.
- If you are entering a roundabout, give way to traffic approaching from the right.
Single track roads
Many of the roads on Skye are single track. These roads are only wide enough for one vehicle. They have special passing places.
If you see a vehicle coming towards you, pull into a passing place on your left or wait opposite a passing place on your right.
If the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left or wait opposite a passing place on your right.
Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can.
If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass. Sometimes you may have to reverse more than a metre or two. Driving onto verges to avoid reversing is not recommended! Cars may get damaged or stuck in roadside ditches.
It is usual to give a friendly wave as ‘thank you’ if another road user has reversed or waited for you to pass.
Observe the speed limit
Observe the speed limit when entering local villages and built up areas. Be prepared for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists walking or riding on the road.
Take extra care and reduce your speed at road bends and at minor junctions or turnings.
Parking
Always use designated parking areas. You will find paid parking facilities at popular places of interest on the island.
Do not park on the verge or in passing places.
Do not park in or near entrances to farm tracks or field gateways. This can prevent access by crofters and others who live and work in the countryside.
Give space to pedestrians and cyclists
Pedestrians and cycylist have priority when turning in and out of junctions.
Drivers need to give plenty of space when passing others:
- 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at up to 30mph
- 2 metres and under 10mph for horse riders and horse drawn vehicles
- 2 metres and low speed when passing pedestrians walking on a road
Cyclists can ride in the centre of the lane or two side-by-side for their own safety.
Watch out for four-legged friends
Take extra care and reduce your speed if you see sheep, cows, or other animals on the road. You should also be aware of the risk of deer on the road, particularly when driving at night.
Download offline maps
Mobile service on the island is good. However, you may wish to download an offline version of Google Maps to access your GPS location and maps when out of range.
No drinking and driving
Scotland has a zero tolerance approach to drink driving Drink Drive Limit Scotland